A Sturbridge man charged with manslaughter in connection with a bar fight that led to another man's death pleaded not guilty at his arraignment today in Worcester Superior Court.

James A. Walsh, 39, of 56 Shepard Road, Sturbridge, allegedly punched 45-year-old Daniel McDonald once in the face during a March 16 poker tournament at the Veterans of Foreign Wars at 219 Everett St., Southbridge. Authorities said Mr. McDonald fell after being struck and suffered a brain injury when his head hit the concrete floor.

He later died.

Mr. Walsh was initially charged with aggravated assault and battery in Dudley District Court. A Worcester County grand jury returned the manslaughter indictment against him Nov. 27, moving the case to Worcester Superior Court.

Accompanied by his lawyer, Christopher P. LoConto, Mr. Walsh entered a not-guilty plea to the charge today and was released by Judge James R. Lemire on previously posted bail of $2,500 cash.

At the request of Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Brennan, Judge Lemire placed Mr.Walsh on pretrial probation and ordered that he remain drug- and alcohol-free with random testing. As a further condition of probation, he was also ordered to report once a week in person to the court's probation department.